Com·pa·ny n.; pl. Companies
 1. The state of being a companion or companions; the act of accompanying; fellowship; companionship; society; friendly intercourse.
    Evil company doth corrupt good manners.   --1 Cor. xv. 33. (Rev. Ver.).
 Brethren, farewell: your company along
 I will not wish.   --Milton.
 2. A companion or companions.
 To thee and thy company I bid
 A hearty welcome.   --Shak.
 3. An assemblage or association of persons, either permanent or transient.
    Thou shalt meet a company of prophets.   --1 Sam. x. 5.
 4. Guests or visitors, in distinction from the members of a family; as, to invite company to dine.
 5. Society, in general; people assembled for social intercourse.
    Nature has left every man a capacity of being agreeable, though not of shining in company.   --Swift.
 6. An association of persons for the purpose of carrying on some enterprise or business; a corporation; a firm; as, the East India Company; an insurance company; a joint-stock company.
 7. Partners in a firm whose names are not mentioned in its style or title; -- often abbreviated in writing; as, Hottinguer & Co.
 8. Mil. A subdivision of a regiment of troops under the command of a captain, numbering in the United States (full strength) 100 men.
 9. Naut. The crew of a ship, including the officers; as, a whole ship's company.
 10. The body of actors employed in a theater or in the production of a play.
 To keep company with. See under Keep, v. t.
 Syn: -- Assemblage; assembly; society; group; circle; crowd; troop; crew; gang; corporation; association; fraternity; guild; partnership; copartnery; union; club; party; gathering.